1. Do NOT use boiling water

Chucking a bucket of scalding water on your windscreen can cause it to crack due to the sudden change in temperature. It is recommended that you use lukewarm water instead.

2. Heat the car from inside

Using your car's interior de-mister is one of the most effective ways to gradually heat the vehicle and clear its windscreen. Be aware that this can take several minutes, especially if the car is covered in thick snow.

3. Protect the windscreen over night

To prevent ice building up in the first place, try soaking a towel in a saltwater solution and spread it over the windscreen. This should help keep it frost free overnight.

Read More

4. Be careful with your wipers

It is only safe to use your wipers to remove excess water after successfully de-icing your windscreen. Switching them on before the ice has thawed could break them.

5. Use a proper windscreen scraper

Make sure your car is equipped with an ice scraper and brush to help scrape away the morning frost. The longer the scraper is, the better reach you will have to clear all your windscreen. Avoid using a credit card, CD or any other object as you could scratch the windscreen.

6. Only use professional de-icing fluids

Don't be tempted to use a homemade de-icing concoction to clear your windscreen. Some recommend using a vinegar-based solution to melt away ice, but this risks damaging the glass and paint surfaces of your vehicle. Stick to professional products.

7. NEVER drive away before de-icing your car

Our most important advice of all - do not drive off until all the ice has been cleared from your windscreen. Any reduced visibility could be very dangerous.

According to the Highway Code, motorists must clear snow and ice from every window of their car.

Rule 229 also says drivers must:

Demist and clear all mirrors

Clean all lights

Make sure their number plates are visible

Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other drivers

Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls are predicted

A windscreen mostly covered in ice can stop you noticing pedestrians waiting to cross the road at a zebra crossing or another hazard.

While it is not illegal to have snow on your roof, you could be penalised if it flies off onto your windscreen or into the path of other motorists, according to the Highway Code.

You could be stung with such offences as 'driving without due consideration' or 'using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition' if you don't clear your car, insurance company RAC said.

At worst, drivers who break the code could end up with a £60 fine and three penalty points on their licence.

Your car insurance would be invalid

If you have a crash because you didn't properly clean your windows, your insurance company might find you at fault for 'neglecting to properly prepare your vehicle', according to RAC. If this is the case, you might not get a pay-out.